updated 12:50 pm EST, Mon November 21, 2011

Google gets aggressive on Chromebook sales

Google on Monday took a pair of steps to revitalize Chrome OS. A new black Samsung Series 5 Chromebook is launching in the US The Wi-Fi only model is identical to the earlier version but drops down from $430 to $350, making it Samsung's first Chrome OS system under the $400 mark.

Chromebooks as a whole should be dropping to a starting price of $299, Google added. The Acer Cromia AC700 has dropped down to the new price, although Samsung's systems are currently at $350 or higher.

A pair of minor interface updates have come to Chrome OS itself. The login screen now has a simpler, 'clean' interface. The new tab page used on startup also now has a link to the system's file manager directly from the home page.

Price cuts come just as rumors have emerged of possibly very low Chromebook sales. Although pitched as a leaner, more secure alternative to a netbook, the systems have been attacked from both the high and low ends. Netbooks have often cost as much or less while having true offline support and more storage. Above it, tablets like the iPad can accomplish many of the instant-on and tighter security features while having a much more portable design and support for offline apps.

Going on sales with prototype.

Chrome OS is not ready for mass market, it's even more limited than Android. Beside I don't understand Google strategy of having a desktop OS more limited than their own mobile OS, you can't even connect a printer or an HD directly on the ChromeBook